Forest Ecology 15 credits
About the course
The course addresses the impact of abiotic and biotic factors for forest structure, growth and dynamics, focusing on boreal forests in Scandinavia, but temperate and tropical forest ecosystems are also addressed. The course contains three parts:
Module 1: Theory 8 credits: An in-depth theory block focusing on the functional relationships between forest ecosystems and bio-geochemical processes, divided into three sections. 1. Regulatory and limiting factors for forest production. 2. Access to, flow and accumulation of energy and nutrients. 3. The importance of different organism groups for forest ecology and dynamics.
Module 2: Excursions 2.5 credits: Excursions to field experiments, natural and managed forests. Examples of the impact of forestry on biodiversity are demonstrated, as well as training in forest inventory techniques and species determination.
Module 3: Project work 4.5 credits: A project work where students plan and perform a scientific study to test ecological hypotheses.